Arepas con Queso

Ingrédients

• 2 cups masarepa (pre-cooked white cornmeal)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese. finely crumbled
• 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
• 1 1/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ((8 ounces))
• Oil or butter for cooking

Préparation

1. 1

   In a medium bowl combine the masarepa, salt, crumbled cheese, butter and warm water.

2. 2

   Knead the mixture, until a smooth dough is formed. The dough should not be sticky but have the consistency of homemade play-dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Check the consistency of the dough by flattening a small amount of dough between the palm of your hands. If the edges crack, the dough is too dry. Add additional water, one tablespoon at a time until the dough is pliable.

4. 4

   With lightly wet hands, divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Roll each piece into a ball then, pat each dough ball into a circle that is approximately 5-inches in diameter and about ¼” thick.

5. 5

   Working with one circle at a time, add a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Place a second dough circle on top and seal the edges. Press the dough lightly between the palm of your hands smoothing the sealed edges to form a disk of about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.

6. 6

   To cook the arepas on the stove top: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. If using butter, heat the skillet and then add the butter, spreading it around to coat the skillet.

7. 7

   To cook the arepas in an electric griddle: Heat the griddle to 325ºF. Add the butter and spread it around to coat the griddle’s surface.

8. 8

   Place the arepas on the skillet or griddle and cook, moving them around occasionally for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and serve warm, with additional butter on top (optional).